NAD C 399 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier

[cdkpdx]

The point I was trying to make is one box streaming integrated amps with dsp still seem priced relatively high. I can imagine looking at other hypex/purifi amps available now, we could see the 399 sort of feature set for closer to $1000 in a couple years. But who knows.

 

[pablolie]

There is also the fact that many of the NAD Hypex products come with a lot of gimmicks. I have come to hugely mistrust the touch power buttons NAD installs in many products. I can point at 2 dead NAD D7050, stories of very temperamental M10s... I like the NAD classic line because it is simpler and that may mean more longevity. I indeed think the C 399 integrated and the C 298 (power amp with Purifi) are the ones that currently appeal to me the most. But in my temporary dwelling I am happy with my current setup, so I can afford to wait it out some.

 

[unexperienced]

Streaming integrated amplifier with ESS ES9028Q2M and Hypex nCore NC252MP.

NAD Launches New C 399 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier - NAD Electronics

NAD Electronics, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio/video components, takes value and performance to a whole new level. The C 399 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier is the clearest expression yet of NAD’s commitment to sonic excellence and lasting value.

nadelectronics.com

Flagship Classic Series integrated amplifier featuring Masters Series grade HybridDigital nCore amplification, ESS Sabre DAC and MDC2 Modular Design Construction Architecture​

PICKERING, ONTARIO, CANADA, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 — NAD Electronics, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio/video components, takes value and performance to a whole new level. The C 399 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier is the clearest expression yet of NAD’s commitment to sonic excellence and lasting value. Employing NAD’s HybridDigital nCore™ amplification, which until now has been available only on Masters Series amplifiers, the C 399 is the new flagship integrated amplifier in NAD’s Classic Series. The C 399’s digital section is built around a 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre DAC, the same chip used in NAD’s acclaimed M10 and M33 Masters Series amplifiers. The suggested retail price of the C 399 is US$1999 (£1799 / €1999 / CDN$2599) with retail availability in time for the holiday season.

The C 399 also the first amplifier to incorporate the latest generation of NAD’s Modular Design Construction (MDC) technology: MDC2. MDC2 lets users add optional modules that provide functions such as BluOS Hi-Res multi-room music streaming, Dirac Live room correction and more.

“As with every NAD amplifier, the C 399 gets the basics right: a precise volume control with accurate channel balance, low-noise circuits, and correct input and output impedances. The C 399 with its HybridDigital nCore output stage and high-resolution ESS Sabre DAC can reproduce all your digital and analogue sources to a level of excitement and refinement that is unprecedented in its class”, says Cas Oostvogel, NAD Electronics’ Product Manager. “Ever since the launch of the legendary 3020 integrated amplifier in 1978, the NAD brand has been synonymous with value and performance. The C 399 takes that reputation to a whole new level. Thanks to NAD’s innovative new MDC2 architecture, the C 399 can serve as the hub of a world-class music system today, and for many years to come.”

Pure Power​

Trickled down from NAD’s Masters Series, the C 399’s HybridDigital nCore amplifier is highly efficient and remarkably powerful. It can deliver 180 Watts per channel continuous power, and 250 Watts per channel instantaneous power, allowing the C 399 to produce musical transients effortlessly. The HybridDigital nCore design is renowned for its wide bandwidth, flat frequency response, clean clipping behaviour with instant recovery, high current capability, and stability into demanding low-impedance speaker loads. Noise and distortion are vanishingly low under all operating conditions. The minute levels of harmonic distortion are dominated by sonically benign second and third harmonics. These refinements enable the C 399 to produce neutral, distortion-free sound even at very high listening levels, with thrilling dynamics, exquisite detail, and superb portrayal of space.

Also trickled down from the Masters Series is the ESS Sabre ES9028 high-resolution DAC, a design noted for its wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise and distortion, and near-zero levels of clock jitter. This premium DAC enables the C 399 to reproduce all of one’s digital sources with amazing musicality, a precise soundstage, and stunning clarity.

Future Perfect​

In 2006, NAD introduced Modular Design Construction (MDC), an innovative architecture for adding new functions to existing components. Many NAD products have rear-panel slots for MDC modules that perform UHD (4K) support, HDMI switching, BluOS multi-room music streaming, Dolby Atmos surround processing, and other functions.

NAD C 399 Rear Panel with Optional MDC2 BluOS-D Module

The C 399 is the first product to feature NAD’s new MDC2 architecture. By enabling two-way communications between the module and host component, MDC2 allows for adding desirable features.

Equipped with Wi-Fi and Ethernet, the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module lets listeners play music from their favorite streaming services through the C 399, using the acclaimed BluOS Controller app for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. Like all BluOS Enabled products, the MDC2 BluOS-D has integrated support for dozens of streaming services; and supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect. Two-way communications also enable the MDC2 BluOS-D to stream music from local sources connected to the C 399 to BluOS Enabled components in other rooms.

The Dirac Live function lets users to measure their room’s acoustics using a supplied microphone and intuitive app, and then upload correction curves to the MDC2 BluOS-D. By compensating for acoustic anomalies in listening environments, Dirac Live dramatically improves bass clarity, imaging, and timbral accuracy. Thanks to its two-way architecture, the MDC2 BluOS-D performs Dirac Live room correction for all sources connected to the C399

Well Connected​

The C 399 has two optical and two coaxial digital inputs, plus an HDMI-eARC port for playing audio from a connected TV, while controlling amplifier output with the TV’s remote control. Analogue fans are well served with two pairs of RCA line-level inputs, plus a MM phono stage with ultra-precise RIAA equalization, extremely low noise, and high overload margins. The phono preamp also features an innovative circuit that suppresses the infrasonic noise present on all LPs, without compromising bass response. The line inputs have low-noise buffer amplifiers to prevent sonic degradation.

NAD C 399 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier Rear Panel

In addition to two sets of speaker outputs, the C 399 has preamp output jacks and dual subwoofer outputs. Two-way aptX HD Bluetooth allows 24-bit streaming from mobile devices, and high-quality output to Bluetooth headphones. Also built-in is a dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and high output voltage capability, enabling the C 399 to drive demanding high-impedance studio monitor headphones.

Key Features of the NAD C 399 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier​

• Hybrid Digital nCore Amplifier
• Continuous Power: 180 Watts per channel into 8/4 ohms
• Instantaneous Power: 250 Watts per channel
• Vanishingly low harmonic and intermodulation distortion
• Dual MDC2 Slots for expanded functionality
• Optional MDC2 BluOS-D module adds BluOS multi-room streaming and Dirac Live room correction
• Jitter-free 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre DAC
• Ultra-low-noise MM phono stage with infrasonic filtering circuitry
• Two optical, two coaxial digital inputs
• HDMI-eARC input
• Two pairs of line-level analogue inputs with low-noise buffer amplifiers
• Speaker A/Speaker B outputs
• Two-way aptX HD Bluetooth
• Dual subwoofer outputs
• Dedicated headphone amplifier
• IR remote
• 12V Trigger in/out
• IR in/out
• RS-232 Serial port for control integration with home automation systems
• Seamless integration with Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, Lutron, iPort, Elan, PUSH and KNX smart home control systems

ABOUT NAD ELECTRONICS
Founded in 1972 and now sold in over 80 countries, NAD Electronics is renowned for its award-winning line of high-quality components for audio, home theatre and custom installation applications. Since the beginning, NAD’s commitment to four core values – innovation, innovation, simplicity, performance, and value – have earned it a cult-like following that catapulted it to becoming a household name amongst audiophiles and music lovers alike. To this day, the brand continues to design and manufacture some of the most acclaimed and affordable hi-fi components that include modern features and technologies meant to appeal to a new generation of audiophiles.

Hi!
Knowing the tricks and tricks of NAD not by hearsay, I can assume that C399 is the same C388 in which OEM nCore modules are installed instead of UcD modules and no more. Look at the weight of these devices, the weight of both is 11.2 kg. They have the same housing and the same arrangement of terminals and connectors at the back and controls at the front. Added two-way MDC2 and two-way Bluetooth, as well as additional outputs for subwoofers. Where did you get the information that NC252MP is used in C 399?

 

[Jone5]

I picked one up today (with the bluos module), but it sits still in the box. I’ll report later on first impression etc.

I also thought about the possibility of using C399 as a preamp for C298 if one wants better amplification. At least looking at the preamp specs and comparing C399 performance to C658 or M12 the claims for C399 are either same or better. One thing that is relevant for me at least is the crossover also affecting the preouts in case of using separate power amplifier, lets see if I can test this at some point.

 

[Alexx]

Buon giorno.

Chiedo informazioni sull'amplificatore Nad C399, avete riscontrato questi problemi/anomalie:

Quando acceso e spento, fa un "bump" sugli altoparlanti (subito dopo l'avvio del relè).

Se cambio l'uscita degli altoparlanti AB, "Bump" sugli altoparlanti.

Ogni volta che cambio sorgente dal menu (Linea 1-2 Coassiale ecc.) ogni cambio sorgente provoca il solito "Bump" negli altoparlanti.

Se il controllo del tono è attivato e disattivato dal menu, "Bump" sugli altoparlanti ma in modo più forte.

Sibilo di sottofondo su ingressi analogici ad alto volume sia con ingresso libero che con Rca inserito e rispettivo dispositivo scollegato dalla rete (per evitare che porti rumore) questo probabilmente lo ritengo normale/plausibile.

Linee digitali nessun rumore / fruscio di sottofondo anche al massimo volume.

Scusatemi tutto se mi sono dilungato o ripetuto ma volevo spiegarmi nel miglior modo possibile.

La casa non ha idea se dice che potrebbe essere normale o meno (è un modello così nuovo che nessuno ancora conosce).

Se tutti questi rumori fossero normali, sembrerebbe una scelta progettuale un po' "discutibile" in quanto ricorda vecchi elettrodomestici di 30 anni fa che avevano problemi simili...

Se puoi gentilmente dammi la tua preziosissima risposta e dimmi se il tuo dispositivo ha lo stesso comportamento.

Scusate per la lingua/errori ma scrivo al traduttore.

Grazie in anticipo e cordiali saluti.
Simone.

 

[Alexx]

Good morning.

I ask for information on the Nad C399 amplifier, have you encountered these problems / anomalies:

When turned on and off, it makes a "bump" on the speakers (right after the relay starts).

If I change the AB speaker output, "Bump" on the speakers.

Whenever I change source from the menu (Line 1-2 Coaxial etc.) every source change causes the usual "Bump" in the speakers.

If the tone control is turned on and off from the menu, it "bump" on the speakers but more loudly.

Background hiss on high volume analog inputs both with free input and with Rca inserted and the respective device disconnected from the mains (to prevent it from bringing noise) this probably I consider normal / plausible.

Digital lines no background noise / hiss even at maximum volume.

Excuse me for everything if I have dwelt or repeated but I wanted to explain myself in the best possible way.

The house has no idea if it says it might be normal or not (it's such a new model that no one knows yet).

If all these noises were normal, it would seem a somewhat "questionable" design choice as it recalls old appliances from 30 years ago that had similar problems ...

If you can kindly give me your invaluable answer and tell me if your device has the same behavior.

Sorry for the language / errors but I write to the translator.

Thanks in advance and best regards.

 

[Jone5]

My unit also has the faintest "bumb" when changing the source, especially going from digital to analog input, hardly noticeably in my opinion. Must be some sort of relay acting when ever source or speaker output changes, how sensitive are your speakers if the bump is of annoyance?

I actually noticed a bit similar thing when I had an open long RCA cable in the line input or even when it was connected to my computer. Whenever this source was active my subwoofer made unperiodic similar "bumb sounds" but more noticeably in loudness, I did not yet try to isolate the cause, but a bit annoying all in all if analog input is needed. Otherwise seems like a very good amp, I don't know if subjective assesment of amps is allowed in this forum, but it maybe has a bit more detail on mids/highs when compared to Nad M10 which was quite silky. Can be a good thing or a bad thing (harshness).

Some things to mention:
- Sub out level is much increased from M10
- Changing dirac filters does not cause a sudden loud sound occasionally which was the case with M10 (something to do with maybe changing the dsp filters on the fly without attenuating the output)
- Dirac filters done with speakers+sub can be used with speakers only as well, or so it seems, but no the other way around of course

More Dirac stuff:
I ran Dirac for both speakers only and speakers+sub. The dirac on main speakers alone does make a difference, but at the same time it introduces some change in stereo imaging which was the case with M10 as well. I have only used the dirac iOS application where at least I cannot find an option to disable delay compensation (impossible to get the mic at exactly center), assuming this is the cause. When using dirac for mains+sub the algorithm leaves sub at a very faint level, I don't know the issue/reason. I quickly also measured with REW all the options and adjusted the sub level after Dirac to match level of mains only. I get pretty much same result with only using parametri EQ on the sub and using REW to calculate filters (80Hz crossover) and thus no room correction on the speakers.

 

[Alexx]

@Jone5: Thank you so much for the quick reply.

For the "bump" of the source change then I think it is normal (even on mine it is not very strong) the speakers are Kef R300.

Could you kindly check (as you have time) if the Bump does this even when you turn on the amp (soon after the relay there is a small noise on the speakers) and if it does this also when you turn off the amp?

Last thing de disabling the tone control from the menu (On-Off) still makes the noise "bump" or if you change output to aces A-B.

Even if all this is present I believe that my unit is not broken but designed in this "particular and questionable" way.

I thank you so much for your help and kindness.
Soon.

 

[Jone5]

@Jone5: Thank you so much for the quick reply.

For the "bump" of the source change then I think it is normal (even on mine it is not very strong) the speakers are Kef R300.

Could you kindly check (as you have time) if the Bump does this even when you turn on the amp (soon after the relay there is a small noise on the speakers) and if it does this also when you turn off the amp?

Last thing de disabling the tone control from the menu (On-Off) still makes the noise "bump" or if you change output to aces A-B.

Even if all this is present I believe that my unit is not broken but designed in this "particular and questionable" way.

I thank you so much for your help and kindness.
Soon.

It makes a very small bumb when turning on, maybe even quieter than changing the source and I would say its almost silent when turning off.

 

[Alexx]

La ringrazio molto, molto gentile.

Quindi penso che sia tutto normale anche sul mio modello, se fosse difettoso pensavo di cambiarlo con il Rotel 1592 MKII ma a questo punto credo che terrò il Nad 399 (mi adatto a questi piccoli rumori).
Grazie ancora.

 

[GoGlass]

Hi

My unit also has the faintest "bumb" when changing the source, especially going from digital to analog input, hardly noticeably in my opinion. Must be some sort of relay acting when ever source or speaker output changes, how sensitive are your speakers if the bump is of annoyance?

I actually noticed a bit similar thing when I had an open long RCA cable in the line input or even when it was connected to my computer. Whenever this source was active my subwoofer made unperiodic similar "bumb sounds" but more noticeably in loudness, I did not yet try to isolate the cause, but a bit annoying all in all if analog input is needed. Otherwise seems like a very good amp, I don't know if subjective assesment of amps is allowed in this forum, but it maybe has a bit more detail on mids/highs when compared to Nad M10 which was quite silky. Can be a good thing or a bad thing (harshness).

Some things to mention:
- Sub out level is much increased from M10
- Changing dirac filters does not cause a sudden loud sound occasionally which was the case with M10 (something to do with maybe changing the dsp filters on the fly without attenuating the output)
- Dirac filters done with speakers+sub can be used with speakers only as well, or so it seems, but no the other way around of course

More Dirac stuff:
I ran Dirac for both speakers only and speakers+sub. The dirac on main speakers alone does make a difference, but at the same time it introduces some change in stereo imaging which was the case with M10 as well. I have only used the dirac iOS application where at least I cannot find an option to disable delay compensation (impossible to get the mic at exactly center), assuming this is the cause. When using dirac for mains+sub the algorithm leaves sub at a very faint level, I don't know the issue/reason. I quickly also measured with REW all the options and adjusted the sub level after Dirac to match level of mains only. I get pretty much same result with only using parametri EQ on the sub and using REW to calculate filters (80Hz crossover) and thus no room correction on the speakers.

So with the C399 we can apply Dirac on Speaker only, or on Speaker+Sub ? And is it possible to apply Dirac on Subs Outs only ? Thanks for your help!

 

[Alexx]

Non posso risponderti perché il mio non ha modulo bluos.
Mi dispiace.

 

[Jone5]

Hi

So with the C399 we can apply Dirac on Speaker only, or on Speaker+Sub ? And is it possible to apply Dirac on Subs Outs only ? Thanks for your help!

Yes for the first two, given that you have that specific setup active but for example you cannot use speakers only dirac slot for speakers+sub, but speakers+sub slot seems to work for speakers only setup. Applying dirac only on sub out seems impossible.

 

[GoGlass]

​

Thanks @Jone5 !


Also, i have looking everywhere but without response..... Does someone know if NAD has planned to add a MDC2 card with USB B and DSD support (like the MDC(1) USB DSD Card)? It will be marvelous if the C399 could be used as a regular soundcard in Windows / MacOS.....

 

[pablolie]

​

Thanks @Jone5 !


Also, i have looking everywhere but without response..... Does someone know if NAD has planned to add a MDC2 card with USB B and DSD support (like the MDC(1) USB DSD Card)? It will be marvelous if the C399 could be used as a regular soundcard in Windows / MacOS.....

It supports a USB interface without an MDC card, so it is easy to configure your computer as a hub for audio with software (including DSD support if you need it). I also think NAD also have an MDC card that supports DSD but I don't see the point if you stream from a PC.

 

[GoGlass]

It supports a USB interface without an MDC card, so it is easy to configure your computer as a hub for audio with software (including DSD support if you need it). I also think NAD also have an MDC card that supports DSD but I don't see the point if you stream from a PC.

Thanks for your reply ! The point is that i use a lot of audio software ( Wavelab, SoundForge) for editing audio who need a real soundcard. And i'm note sure but i don't think that you can do that, if you have only the streamer function.
And the MDC card which have theses functions (DSD and USB soundcard) is NOT compatible with the C399.

 

[pogo]

So with the C399 we can apply Dirac on Speaker only

Can a C399 owner check whether the DL filters are also present at the physical headphone output?
This is the case with the M33 and you can equalize your headphones very well if you have the full DL version.

 

[Alexx]

Puoi controllare se l'attivazione del controllo del tono "On-Off" fa rumore sugli altoparlanti? Il mio fa un "knock-Bump"
Grazie in anticipo.

 

[Jone5]

Can a C399 owner check whether the DL filters are also present at the physical headphone output?
This is the case with the M33 and you can equalize your headphones very well if you have the full DL version.

Yes, this seems to be the case.

 

[pogo]

It will be marvelous if the C399 could be used as a regular soundcard in Windows / MacOS.....

With this device you can connect a computer with HDMI output to the HDMI input of the C399 and use it as a DAC.
Link